An ecological way to brighten up your garden!

Did you know that a growing number of studies have shown that exposure to pesticides can be dangerous? And that domestic water consumption can increase by almost 50% in the summer, as people water their lawns and gardens?

Gardening is undoubtedly an enjoyable hobby but, depending on how we go about it, can have a negative impact on our environment and our health.

So, for the well-being of us all, here are some simple tips to keep in mind:

• It's best not to use chemical fertilizer or pesticides. Why not create your own natural fertilizer by composting organic food and garden waste? Not only does it nourish the land, compost also reduces the amount of waste we send to landfills and helps cut down on greenhouse gas emissions, which contribute to climate change.
• A standard lawn requires about 100,000 litres of water during its summer growth period. You can use a rain water collector to irrigate your lawn and gardens without increasing your water consumption.
• Growing native plants protects biodiversity and minimizes the amount of care your garden will need, since local species are more resistant to diseases and better adapted to our climate.

For more information, consult the Canadian Museum of Nature's Native Plant Crossroads.

To find out more about ecological horticulture and get some practical tips, visit the Équiterre Web site.